So many of us struggle to get through the day-to-day while dealing with pain. An estimated 50 million American adults suffer from chronic pain, and yet, it can seem like there are no good options out there to help us manage that pain. Between the untenable side effects and low efficacy, finding relief can feel like a herculean task.
Today, we’ll look at some of the most common pain relief remedies currently available, both pharmaceutical and natural, and compare the pros and cons of each option to help you find relief that best works for you.
Opioid Use For Pain Relief
During the ‘80s and ‘90s, big pharmaceutical companies like Purdue Pharma changed how medical professionals treated their patients’ pain.
Before this era, prescription opiates were primarily prescribed only for short-term use to treat the pain from injuries or in the immediate time following surgery. This all changed after years of aggressive marketing from pharmaceutical drug reps who intentionally misrepresented their drug’s potential for abuse. As a result, today, America finds itself in the throes of a bona fide opiate epidemic, where thousands of its citizens die from opiate overdose annually.
While opiates can be effective short-term analgesics, long-term use for the treatment of chronic pain greatly increases the patient’s risk of overdose, hyperalgesia, myocardial infarction, and fractures. Not to mention, opiate treatment plans come with debilitating side effects such as drowsiness, mental fog, nausea, and constipation.
Due to these severe health risks, extended opiate use is not recommended for chronic pain management.
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs For Pain Relief
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the most commonly used pain medication in the United States. These include brands of over-the-counter painkillers you’re likely already familiar with, like ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen.
Typically, NSAIDs are used to treat minor aches and pains and reduce fevers. They work by blocking cox-1 and cox-2 enzymes, which play a significant role in the formation of swelling and inflammation.
Despite being readily available at any pharmacy or convenience store, prolonged NSAID usage can lead to health concerns down the road, including:
-
Stomach ulcers
-
Increased bruising
-
GI bleeding
-
Increased risk of stroke and blood clots
Natural Pain Relief Options For General Relief
Not all pain management options available come in pill form. Natural remedies have been a part of traditional medicine for centuries, and many of which have had their efficacy confirmed by modern science.
One example is turmeric—the golden orange root that’s often ground into a spice or used as a dye. The chemical curcumin, which gives turmeric its signature hue, has powerful pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects. In fact, recent studies have found that curcumin is as effective as ibuprofen at mitigating pain and reducing inflammation. Combining turmeric with other pain remedies such as alternating hot and cold therapies can help patients manage their chronic pain, with significantly fewer side effects compared to conventional pharmaceutical options.
CBD Products For Pain Relief
Another plant-based compound that’s been making recent waves as a potential pain reliever is the non-intoxicating cannabinoid CBD.
CBD has already been proven to be an effective treatment for certain seizure disorders, and new evidence suggests that the compound could also effectively manage difficult-to-treat pain. This includes neuropathic pain, cancer pain, fibromyalgia, migraines, and arthritis. A recent study from April of 2021 conducted by Syracuse University determined that CBD can reduce pain through both pharmacological and psychological action.
While we still need more clinical trials to confirm the efficacy of CBD as a pain reliever, these preliminary studies we have are incredibly promising.
Do I Need A Prescription To Use CBD Products For Pain Relief?
While certain forms of CBD, like Epidiolex, require a doctor’s prescription, the lion’s share of CBD products are available over the counter. However, it’s always a good idea to consult with your physician before starting a CBD regimen.
Combining CBD With Tumeric
If you’re someone dealing with chronic pain looking for a natural solution, you may want to consider integrating CBD and turmeric into your daily wellness routine. With the Relief Capsule, you can combine the pain-relieving properties of these two plant-based remedies in one easy-to-swallow capsule. Each Relief Capsule contains 35 mg of hemp-derived CBD isolate and 250 mg of turmeric—an ideal formulation to help your body reduce inflammation and manage pain.
Always consult your doctor before taking Vitaldiol Relief Capsules to ensure the turmeric and CBD will not interfere with any current medications you’re currently taking.